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Cross Stitch Helpful Hints.

Cross Stitch Helpful Hints

You have bought the chart, the fabric to sew it on and the different
colored floss, beads, metallic thread, etc. if required, separately, or
in a kit - now WHAT DO YOU DO?

1. Iron the fabric so there are no creases. Linens - medium/hot
steam iron. Other fabrics - ask supplier.

2. Protect the edges of the fabric from fraying by one of these
methods:
a) Machine sew the edges with zigzag stitch
b) Tape all edges, except the selvage, using either masking or scotch
tape. Put a strip on the front and a strip on the back of your fabric
c) Turn in a seam and handset with large stitches around the edge.

3. If you have skeins of floss, you will see numbers on the attached
paper labels. These numbers match the numbers on the chart as you will
need to know what they are. Buy small cards (plastic and cardboard are
available) made especially for winding on the skeins (sometimes called
'bobbins'). At the top, either write, or stick on a label, with the
appropriate number. Be very careful to put the right number. The
cards can all be kept numerically in a special box.

4. If you have a kit with floss, follow the instructions for
organizing the floss carefully.

5. If you wish to wash your floss or fabric, please do it before you
sew your cross stitch. If one color runs in the completed project, you
will probably never get the discoloration out. Some people wash their
skeins in a mild warm soapy water. Then rinse until clear. Dark colors
are more likely to run, but good quality threads and fabrics should not.

Note: After completing the project, it might be better to have
it dry cleaned rather than washed, but not if it has beads, or other
problem materials (ask a good quality dry cleaner).

Starting Cross Stitch

Frames and Hoops

Vol. 1 No. 2

1. Keep your work as taut as possible. You will need either a frame
or a circular hoop. This will keep your stitches even.

2. If you are using a frame, sew the fabric with large stitches onto
the material which runs across the top and bottom bars of the frame, top
to top, bottom to bottom.

3. If using a frame, always wind the fabric on the bars so that the
BACK is outside.This way the design is covered, and has less chance
of being soiled.

4. If you use a hoop, remember to take the fabric off the hoop when
finished each time, otherwise you will make circular marks in it.

Starting Cross Stitch

Needles

Vol. 1 No. 3

1. Always have a blunt-ended needle for cross stitch, otherwise you
can split the threads of the fabric, or prick another thread or your
finger.

2. Tapestry needles, as they are called, are numbered from 18 to 28
in size, but may be had in other sizes. The higher the size number the
thinner the needle (the barrel diameter), and the smaller the eye of the
needle. They also come in different lengths: small, medium and large.

3. One supplier recommends the following needles for the most
commonly used fabrics:

Sewing with Cotton Floss

with Kreinik Metallic Threads

Aida

Linen
Over 2

TAPESTRYNEEDLE SIZE

Aida

Mono

Braid

Ribbon

20

6-11

#32 / #16

1/8

6

22

11-18

14-20

#16 / #8

1/16

8-14

14-28

24

18

18-40

#16 / #8

1/16

16-22

30-40

26

28-40

#8

4. However, make sure that the needle is small enough so as not to
make the holes bigger as you sew each stitch ( by distortion), and not
too thin to so as to slip through the holes.

5. Use the size that feels right to you.

6. Although needles used in northern climates are usually nickel
plates or stainless steel, they may be had in gold or silver for hot or
tropical areas.

7. If you have difficulty in threading a needle, a needle-threader
can be used.

Starting Cross Stitch

The Starting Point

Vol. 1 No. 4

1. Before you sew your fabric onto the frame, or put it on a hoop,
find the center. You can either:

a) Fold the material in half, first lengthwise, and then sideways to
give you the center.

b) Use a tape measure to divide the length and the width into two,
and hence measure the center.

c) Measure two adjacent edges with a tape measure and divide by two
to find their center threads. Then, using a single strand of floss, sew
a running stitch from the edges’ centers, over four to five holes at a
time. Where they cross is the center.

d) Or fold the edges as above to find the center threads, and then
sew into the center as above.

I mark the center by slipping a spare unthreaded needle under the
center thread.

2. Look at your chart for the center. Most designs have arrows half
way down the sides and half way across the top and bottom. If you
follow those in with your fingers you will find the center of the
design. I normally mark the spot lightly with a pencil.

3. If you do not know how to sew a cross stitch, please go to my 'Useful
Links' page and click on the link to about 130 different stitches.

Starting Cross Stitch

The First Thread

Vol. 1 No. 5

The Legend All designs have keys, or legends, usually placed
under or at the side of the design.These keys tell you what color to
sew where, and if there is an outline, where to place it, and in what
color. It will also tell you if the design has beads, specialty
threads, etc.

The Floss Having found the center on your chart, look and see
what symbol is printed there. The key will tell you what floss number
the symbol represents. i.e. Q = DMC 501. Take this card of floss out
of your box and cut a length of approximately 36 inches, or from the end
of your hand to the tip of your nose. You will now have 6 strands of
loose floss. Select one and pull it out, and put the other five back
on their card.

The majority of cross stitching is done with two strands, unless the
instructions are to the contrary.

Thread your tapestry needle putting together both ends through the
eye of the needle so now you have a double strand with a loop at the
long end.

If you are right-handed you will probably sew from left to right. It
is probably better to sew in rows than in columns, but both are done.

First Row Find the beginning of the row with the color (same
symbol) at the center. Count the number of stitches from the center to
the start of that row. If you are one or two stitches out at the start,
it will not make any difference. Every other stitch is now dependent on
this starting stitch position.

Notes:Evenweave (All linens and similar types usually of counts from 24
to 36) Sew in every other hole. For every stitch on the chart, double
the number, and that is the equivalent number of holes across the
fabric.

Aida Sew in every hole. The number of stitches on the chart
represent the number of equivalent holes on the fabric.

Bring your needle up through the correct hole from the back and start
cross stitching.

Starting Cross Stitch

Fastening Threads

Vol. 1 No. 6

Loose ends sticking out of the back look ragged. Knots make the
piece lumpy. Therefore, here are two methods of starting and finishing
a row of cross stitches. If you are going to use the same threads a few
holes away, there is no need to cut off the ends. Leave it were it is
and run it under the few stitches to the next starting point.

When you sew with two strands of the same floss, fold a strand in
half, put the two ends through the needle, leaving the loop on the long
end. Bring the needle up from the bottom and make the first half cross
stitch. Then you go through the loop behind at the end to make a nice
firm anchor before you make the second half cross stitch.

With one thread, or two different colors, turn the fabric over and
run the floss under five to six stitches next to your first hole for
sewing pulling gently until the ends disappear, then come up to do your
first cross stitch.

To finish, pass the thread under five to six stitches at the back
immediately next to the last cross stitch, and cut off close to where
the thread comes out.

Starting Cross Stitch

The Beads

Vol. 1 No. 7

Beads are very pretty and used for many purposes in cross stitch.
For some more information please see the "Glossary".
Listed here are some data about Mill Hill beads as supplied by Gay
Bowles Sales. This information is approximate, and not guaranteed. It is to be
used as a guide only.

Type

NumberRange

Size

Diameter

Length

Grams/Pack

Number/Pack
Approx.

Petite

4xxxx

15

2.0 mm

8/100"

1.60

500

Seed

00xxx
02000-02031
02033-02092
02093-02095

11

2.5 mm

1/10"

4.54
4.54
4.00, or 2.85
4.54

400-500

Frosted

62xxx

11

2.5 mm

1/10"

4.25

400-500

Crayon

02058-02069

11

2.5 mm

1/10"

4.54

400-500

Antique

03xxx

11

2.5 mm

1/10"

2.63

200

Magnifica

10xxx

12

2.25 mm

1/11"

2.00

400

#8 Seed

18xxx

8

3.0 mm

about 1/9"

6.00

250

#6 Seed

16xxx

6

4.0 mm

about 3/20"

5.20

100

Pebble

05xxx

3

5.5 mm

about 1/5"

5.50

30

Bugle

7xxxx

small

2.5 mm

1/10"

6 mm

1/4"

3.10

130

8xxxx

medium

2.5 mm

1/10"

9 mm

3/8"

2.70

70

9xxxx

large

2.5 mm

1/10"

14 mm

9/16"

2.95

35

Please note that metallic beads are not suitable for jewelry!

Starting Cross Stitch

Beading

Vol. 1 No. 8

Beads normally occupy one design space instead of a cross stitch.
Most people sew the beads after their surrounding cross stitching is
complete because they need to be well secured, and lie on top of the
cross stitches . Here are a few pointers:

Thread: For regular and small size beads, use one strand of
floss. For heavier beads you can use two strands. There is also black
or white "Nymo" beading thread, and there is "invisible" YLI thread
which can be used for beading.

Color: Use a color of thread that is close to the color of
the bead, or use a color similar to the background, or one of the others
above.

Needle: Use a fine pointed needle such as a quilting needle,
appliqué needle or beading needle. The hole in most beads is too small
to be used with a tapestry needle.

Stitch:A half cross stitch is normally used, in the same
direction as the lower half of the cross stitch. Since all your cross
stitch projects should normally have all their cross stitches lying in
the same direction, this will make this stitch on top lie in the
opposite direction, but the bead will lie in the same direction as the
other top stitches. Some designs suggest that a full cross stitch is
used, but the beads mat only be attached by the upper cross of each
stitch.
Attaching: To start, run the threaded needle for about 3/4 of its
length through the stitches at the back of the design up to the starting
hole of the bead. Come back a couple of stitches and repeat. Bring your
needle up through that hole to the front of the piece. Put the bead on
the needle and come down at the end of the half cross stitch. Now do a
finishing loop similar to your starting loop. If there are several
beads, keep sewing half cross stitches through them until you get to the
end of the row of beads. Then finish with the loop. Some people do the
full cross stitch through the beads to make them more secure. The
difference is the way that the beads will lie. With a full cross stitch
the whole through the bead will lie up and down or sideways depending on
which way you place it. If you use a half cross stitch, it will lie
diagonally either way depending on which way you place it. Make sure
you sew them all the same way. Read any instructions first.

Storing:The packets that beads come in are small and do not
close easily. Find a suitable household container, with a lid, into
which you can dip your needle and pick up a bead. Children and animals
are a great danger to the safety of your beads, and the beads can be a
danger to them.
Precaution: As beads vary slightly in size, they do not always
lie completely flat on the design.
Precaution: Never iron beadwork. The beads will probably
break, or could melt.
Precaution: Some beads are metallic, and are NOT suitable for
jewelry.
For more help try
Mill Hill Tips for Beading

Starting Cross Stitch

Braid & Filament

Vol. 1 No. 9

Kreinik produce 'braids' that are often used in cross stitch. These
are metallic threads (see 'Glossary'). They are produced in sizes
called #4, #8, #12, #16 and #32, with #4 being the finest (narrowest),
and #32 being the heaviest (thickest).
Braids #4, 8, 12, 16 are usually sewn with one strand. Without other
instructions, they are always sewn with one strand. #4 can be sewn with
one strand of floss as well, then the instructions will say so. Do not
unravel the braid.

Blending filament is mainly sewn with two strands, and is often sewn
with one or two strands of floss as well (hence the term 'Blending').
The instructions normally state how many strands. Do not unravel the
filament.

Starting Cross Stitch

Sizing Fabric

Vol. 1 No. 10

In quick terms, the size of the fabric you want is dependent on the
size of the design (the number of stitches across and the number of
stitches high that the designs tells you), and the number of stitches
per inch you want to sew. You cannot change the design. If you sew
"over 2" (linen, etc.), the count of the fabric will be twice the number
of stitches per inch. If you sew "over 1" (Aida, etc.), the count of
the fabric will be the same as the number of stitches per inch. Use the
number of stitches per inch, not the count of the fabric.

To find the size of the design
Divide the number of stitches per inch into the number of stitches
across or high, and you will get the number of inches of the design
across or high. Remember - the fabric has to be bigger for framing and
holding, and fraying, etc.

Design Size for Aida = number of stitches (across or high) /
fabric count (holes per inch = stitches per inch)Design Size for evenweave = number of stitches (across or high),
/ stitches per inch (usually this will be one half of the fabric
count, e.g. if you are stitching on 28ct linen, this number will be 14).

To find the count of the fabric needed
If you want a design to be sewn as a certain size:
Divide the width or the height in inches into the number of stitches
that the design is wide or high, and you will get the count of fabric
you need. Remember - if you calculate the width, the height might come
out differently to what you want. You usually cannot have the height
and width as you want them, as they may not be in the same proportions
and the designer laid down.

Count = number of stitches (wide or high) / width or height
wanted. If the answer is 14, you can use 14 count Aida, or 28 evenweave, and get the same result.

Example for Linen: If a design is 210 stitches wide by 150
stitches high, and the design is sewn over 2 on 32 count linen, that is
16 stitches per inch:
the linen will have a width of: 210 / (32/2) or 210 / 16 = 13.125"
or 13 1/8",
and the height will be 150 / (32/2) or 150 / 16 = 9.375" or 9 3/8"

Example for Aida: If a design is 210 stitches wide by 150
stitches high, and the design is sewn over 1 on 16 count Aida,
the Aida will have a width of: 210 / (16/1) or 210 / 16 = 13.125" or
13 1/8"
and the height will be 150 / (16/1) or 150 / 16 = 9.375" or 9 3/8"

You will see that you need the same size piece of 16 count Aida as
you would for a 32 count linen, for the same design.

Changing Fabrics
If you have a design in 32 count that uses 14" by 10 1/2" of linen, you
might want to sew it on 28 count instead. The long way round is to
calculate the number of stitches from the 32 count size and then
calculate the 28 count size from the above formula. It is easier to do
this:

Width multiplied by (old count/new count) if sewn over the same
number of threads. And the same for the height. Or again, width
multiplied by (old stitches per inch / new stitches per inch).

Remember that if 32 count and 16 count require the same size of
material, converting from 32 to 14 count is NOT size x 32/14. Use the
number of stitches per inch.
32 to 14 conversion is normally: width x 16 / 14

Useful Note:
Remember that as the count gets smaller, the finished size gets larger.
So, if you calculate it and the answer gets smaller instead of larger,
reverse your ratio.

If the size on 32 count was 15" by 10 1/2", the size on 28 count will
be 16" x 12".

If the size on 32 count was 15" by 10 1/2", the size on 16 count will
be the same, and the size on 14 count will be 16" by 12" (the same as
the 28 count).

Please note:
1 Not all stitching on linen is done over 2 threads! Check your
instructions first.
2 The above gives the finished size of the design, but you need
about an extra 3" all round for holding, framing, etc. for the
fabric cut size, or you may decide to have a broader boarder. So, if
your design size is 11" x 20", you would need a piece of fabric at least
17" x 26".
3. There are linens from 36 count down to 16 count, so check what the 16
or 18 count material is, Aida or evenweave.
4. Where the word 'linen' has been used above, evenweave may be
substituted.
5. If you do not know the size of the design, count the little squares
on the chart. Each one represents a stitch. Also, most charts have a
thicker line every ten stitches, so count in tens across and up, and add
the two or three stitches at each end if any.